Archives: Artists

‘For a Man of Substance’, 2014 (See http://www.impotenttools.co.uk/gallery for details).

Currently working some pieces inspired by William Morris and the Arts & Crafts movement – Having previously worked with concepts of masculine and feminine values in objects of luxury, I wanted to turn my focus to the nature of craft. William Morris’ work was a particular inspiration for these pieces. His work encapsulates the beauty and value of traditional craftsmanship, which “with the onset of the industrial revolution …. began to suffer an irreversible decline” (G. Adamson, ‘The Craft Reader’, 2010). As an artist and in particular a craftsman, I strongly believe that craft should be integral to any creative process and the value within a handmade object cannot be replicated as a mass produced commodity. Photos of work in development available upon request. Please email me at rosie@impotenttools.co.uk

Greenhouse: large external art installation in a new PFI hospital in Manchester; The Central Manchester University Hospitals. Screen printed glass and steel.Arlington: internal artwork over two walls in the reception of the newly refurbished Arlington House in London. Dichroic glass and gold leaf.Ice Cube: commissioned by Argent Developers for Piccadilly Place, Manchester. Large scale external glass facias with hand drawn embellishment.Poetry Discs: external interactive artwork set into a waterfall. Winning competition entry for Piccadilly Place, Manchester. Commissioned by Argent Developers.

Max also provided glass making expertise, courses and workshops facilitates, clients and organisations include most noatably, Alexander McQueen (London Fashion Week), Thomas Heatherwick (Welcome Trust), Matt Durram (shortlisted for the Jerwood Prize).

Max has vast experience in teaching and providing workshops for a diverse range of organisations and clients, from beginners workshops to advanced courses for artists and designers, in addition to teaching students from foundation to post-graduate at leading UK Art and Design Universities.

I work with both Cast and Fused Glass, with the use of metal inclusions, Pewter, Bronze, Silver and Brass. Combining these materials has been intrinsic in my work, pushing the boundaries of both materials. The excitement of breaking open a mould and revealing the unpredictable.

Mostly kiln and sandcasted.

He undertakes commissions for the private and commercial customers for sculptures, wall hangings, windows, backlit panels and feature splashbacks. Clients have included Hilton Hotels, PA Consulting, St Thomas’ Hospital, Kraft Foods and John Lewis.

Glass is such a fascinating material, it is familiar yet unpredictable, solid and translucent, hard but delicate. I focus on highlighting its natural shine with the application of various specialist surface finishes, individually handmade elements and sensitive colour palette. I strive to craft truly dynamic feature works of art for your home or office. Working from my Studio & Gallery in the beautiful Market Town of Wirksworth, Derbyshire, I make and sell direct to the public as well as through galleries and stockists throughout the country. Working to commission is always an exciting challenge that I revel in. All enquiries welcome.

Some recent projects you might find interesting:

1. a 32metre rooflight for Abbeywood Community College
2. two delicate layered porch doors made from handmade glass
3. an up-lit glass feature for a hotel garden dining table